That Shelf

Sherlock

Critic Jenny Bullough pledged to embark upon an epic MCU rewatch with her family before they see Avengers: Endgame – and answer the all-important question: should you watch these with your kids? By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth it's Doctor Strange!

Hello readers, and welcome to Dork Shelf’s recap of Orphan Black season 2, episode 8, “Variable and Full of Perturbation." Something strange happened this episode, and that strange thing was that this episode was kind of... bland and boring?

What happened this episode of Orphan Black? Well, for one we’re finally getting somewhere with our clone mystery, and by “somewhere” I mean we’re at the equivalent of that one pit stop with the big ball of twine—nowhere near the destination, but delightful nonetheless.

Hidey-ho readeroonies! I hope you enjoyed Orphan Black’s season 2, episode 5, “Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est” (translation: “knowledge itself is power”), because otherwise this recap wherein I gush over the skillful storytelling is going to be weird. Don’t make it weird.

“Mingling Its Own Nature with It” featured very few lighthearted moments. Shit’s getting real folks. Where season one introduced us to the women, season two is delving deeper into the worsening psychological effects of realizing you’re a clone.

This episode Orphan Black gave us more insight into the science-obsessed new sect of Proletheans that have captured Helena. While Alison deals with the aftermath of Aynsley's death, Cosima falls deeper down the Dyad Institute rabbit hole, and Sarah enlists Art's help to find Kira, but is shocked as to where the trail leads. Shenanigans ensue.

The season two premiere of Orphan Black picks up seconds after Sarah discovered her house had been ransacked and her daughter Kira and Mrs. S. had gone missing. We find our main girl running for dear life in the rain, trying desperately to evade an enemy that at the moment could be the police, the Neolutionists, or the Proletheans.

Being a fan of Orphan Black is difficult. On top of trying to convert all of your friends to this amazing TV show, you also have the added burden of trying to keep up with all of the insanity the show throws at you. So before our first recap on April 19th, let's take a look at what we've learned about our Tatiana Maslanys last season!

Orphan Black is a slick, sexy new sci-fi thriller premiering this Saturday on the Space network. The pilot episode is engaging, tense, and deftly paced, electing to merely hint at the series’ genetic bio-conspiracy underpinnings in favour of establishing character and atmosphere.